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Tug Master Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Newport News, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.25/hr

Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations. * Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms ...

New

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations. * Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms ...

New

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations. * Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms ...

New

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $32.50/hr

Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations. * Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms ...

New

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge ... Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility)

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Showing results 21-31

All JobsTug Master JobsTug Master Jobs in Virginia

Tug Master information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$57

$80

How much do tug master jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug master in Virginia is $57.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.09 and $65.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug master?

A Tug Master is responsible for operating and maneuvering tugboats to assist larger vessels in ports, harbors, or open waters. They ensure safe navigation, towing, and docking by using their knowledge of maritime regulations, weather conditions, and vessel handling. Tug Masters work closely with harbor pilots, ship captains, and port authorities to ensure efficient operations. Their role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and relevant maritime certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug master?

To thrive as a Tug Master, you must have strong vessel handling skills, maritime navigation knowledge, and typically possess relevant maritime certifications such as a Master’s license or STCW qualifications. Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and international maritime regulations is crucial for safe operations. Leadership, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure the safe maneuvering of vessels, efficient teamwork, and the smooth execution of harbor and towing operations.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a tug master?

Tug Masters often work in shifts, which may include nights, weekends, or extended hours depending on port activity and vessel schedules. The role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires alertness and quick decision-making in sometimes challenging environments. Work is typically team-oriented, collaborating with crew members, harbor pilots, and port authorities to manage vessel towing and docking. Flexibility and readiness are essential, as tasks can vary daily based on shipping traffic and operational demands.

How much do tug masters make?

Tug masters typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessels they operate. They often require certifications such as a towing or marine license and work in maritime or port environments, sometimes on rotating shifts.

What are popular job titles related to Tug Master jobs in Virginia?

For Tug Master jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug Master jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug Master jobs in Virginia are:

Tug Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Master job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,653 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Rigger J1 - J4

NASSCO

Newport News, VA • On-site

$21 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Rigging department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for 10 Riggers. The hours are 06:00 - 2:45pm & 3pm - 11pm.
Shift : ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance
JOURNEYPERSON 4 (Rigging)
  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships' rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.

JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging)
  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship's sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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